The hottest Drug Trafficking Substack posts right now

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Former DEA official's alleged co-conspirator in attempt to launder cartel money is infamous former CIA operative

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1444 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
📰 News Drug Trafficking
  1. A former senior DEA financial official and Robert Mario Sensi were indicted for allegedly trying to support the CJNG by laundering $12 million and offering advice on fentanyl production and weaponized drones.
  2. Robert Mario Sensi is an infamous ex‑CIA operative with a long record of legal trouble, including a conviction for stealing $2.5 million, SEC liability in a pyramid scheme, and a recent bankruptcy filing.
  3. Sensi allegedly offered to procure drones capable of carrying kilograms of explosives, and his combination of intelligence ties and criminal history makes the accusations a serious national and international security concern.

'Billy Grass' and the Investment Group: U.S. Attorneys publish transcripts from DEA narcoterrorism corruption scandal implying ties to recent acting DEA chief

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 406 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug Trafficking
  1. Prosecutors published transcripts and chat screenshots alleging that former DEA financial official Paul Campo and ex‑CIA operative Robert Sensi coordinated with a confidential source posing as a CJNG member to launder money and arrange weapons and explosives deals.
  2. The filings claim Campo advertised past work in New York and suggested close ties to top DEA leadership, including acting DEA head Derek Maltz, implying potential access to high‑level agency officials.
  3. Authorities seized many phones, used cellphone location data, and filed indictments and bail opposition papers, and the case is actively moving through court with further discovery and hearings ongoing.

U.S. Government seized "approximately 17 phones" from former DEA official charged with narcoterrorism and money laundering

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1078 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
📰 News Drug Trafficking
  1. Two former U.S. officials — a high-ranking ex-DEA financial official and a former CIA operative — were indicted on charges of allegedly providing material support to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and money laundering, and they were brought into court in shackles.
  2. Investigators seized about 17 phones and other electronic storage and obtained warrants for Apple iCloud, Google accounts, and GPS location data, indicating a large volume of digital evidence.
  3. The court set a follow-up conference to manage extensive discovery (scheduled for Feb 6), bail for one defendant was previously denied without prejudice, and the judge disclosed a past professional tie to a prosecutor but said he can remain impartial.

Former CIA operative attempted to introduce DEA asset to Colombian FTO in Curaçao, according to U.S. attorneys

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 569 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
📰 News Drug Trafficking
  1. Former CIA operative Robert Sensi and ex‑DEA official Paul Campo are accused of laundering millions and facilitating large drug deals for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, including converting cash into cryptocurrency and paying for hundreds of kilograms of cocaine.
  2. Prosecutors say Sensi tried to arrange a meeting in Curaçao between a DEA confidential source (posing as a CJNG member) and a representative of a U.S.‑designated Colombian foreign terrorist group. He allegedly discussed sourcing weapons like rifles and even C‑4 explosives.
  3. U.S. attorneys filed WhatsApp messages and other evidence, including many seized phones, to oppose Sensi's bail and argue that his travel and actions show he remains a flight and public‑safety risk despite his age and medical problems.
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California’s Homegrown Serial-Killing Sicario

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 471 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌐 International Drug Trafficking
  1. El Mano Negra, a California hitman, shares details of his narco hits and cartel operations in the United States
  2. Martinez, a prolific killer, operated for years without capture but finally faced trial and received multiple life sentences
  3. Martinez's motives for murder ranged from 'honor killings' to serving drug traffickers, highlighting the dark reality of cartel violence in the US

So, is Mexico a Narco State?

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 766 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Drug Trafficking
  1. Witnesses in a trial revealed deep connections between Mexican authorities and drug cartels, raising questions about government integrity.
  2. The term 'narco state' is used to describe a government infiltrated by drug cartels, a label that has been applied to Mexico.
  3. Despite the challenges, there are still functioning and legitimate institutions within Mexico that provide essential services to its people.

What Are Cartels?

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 707 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Drug Trafficking
  1. The term 'cartel' is commonly used to describe organized crime networks in Mexico, but it can be criticized for being inaccurate and misleading.
  2. Despite critiques, there is clear evidence of powerful criminal networks in Mexico unleashing violence and running various illegal activities.
  3. While there are debates about the terminology, 'cartel' remains a widely understood term to represent these organized crime groups, even though nuances in their structures and operations exist.

America's First Drug Cartel Was Not Colombian or Mexican; It Was The Italian-Jewish Mob

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 766 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💾 History Drug Trafficking
  1. America's first drug cartel was built by Italian-Jewish mobsters, not Colombian or Mexican cartels.
  2. The mobsters in the US were heavily involved in narcotics despite the glamorized image of mafia dons being focused on honor rather than drug trafficking.
  3. Homegrown criminals from Italian, Jewish, and Irish backgrounds set the foundation for drug trafficking in the US, paving the way for later cartels like Colombians and Mexicans.

The World's Most Famous Narco Wife Walks

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 628 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Drug Trafficking
  1. Emma Coronel is a famous figure due to her association with El Chapo and her glamour as a former beauty queen
  2. There is a long-standing interest in the role of narco wives in media and fiction, focusing on their relationships and power dynamics
  3. Despite her legal troubles, Coronel continues to attract media attention and appears to be navigating her situation strategically

Fentanyl Crossing in "Vaginal Cavities and Rectums"

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 432 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug Trafficking
  1. Cartels recruit young U.S. citizens near the border as 'body carriers' to smuggle fentanyl in hidden body cavities.
  2. Fentanyl smuggling through body carriers is a growing problem, with significant amounts being brought illegally into the United States.
  3. Social media platforms like Instagram are being used by cartels to entice and recruit young individuals to smuggle dangerous drugs.

Trafficked Hondurans forced to sell drugs in San Francisco is a myth

Gotham by Susan Dyer Reynolds • 196 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Drug Trafficking
  1. Trafficked Hondurans forced to sell drugs in San Francisco is considered a myth by some officials based on lack of evidence.
  2. In San Francisco, a high percentage of drug overdose deaths in specific districts, highlighting the impact of fentanyl on the city.
  3. Debates among supervisors and officials arise on deportation of fentanyl dealers in San Francisco, showcasing differing approaches to tackling the crisis.